Frozen Black Cherry Lemonade, $8

Sitting outside and sipping a drink is our definition of a perfect summer day. But when temperatures really rise and you start sticking to your chair, it's not quite so much fun. For relief, head to Silver Cloud Bar & Grill (1700 N. Damen Ave. 773-489-6212) and chill out with the Summer Cooler cocktail menu. We suggest starting with this frozen mix of Effen vodka, black cherry juice and lemon ice. Just be careful not to give yourself a brainfreeze!

FEST FLASH

43rd Annual Andersonville Midsommarfest

When: 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday

Where: Foster Avenue and Clark Street in Andersonville

Entry: $5 donation

Get there: No. 22 Clark bus; Argyle Red Line "L" stop

The basics: Midsommarfest is rooted in the Andersonville's Swedish heritage, but you'll find more than meatballs when the neighborhood's streets max out for this global affair. Booths hawking international food line Clark Street alongside craft and drink vendors. Three stages of music feature bands such as Funkadesi, Mucca Pazza and Trippin Billies (Saturday) and 16 Candles, Too White Crew and Hairbangers Ball (Sunday).

Don't miss: Give a nod to Nordic culture when a traditional Maypole dance takes the South Stage at 11:45 a.m. Saturday.

MORE FESTIVALS

* 34th Annual Wells Street Art Festival. The focus of this Old Town party leans more toward "festival" than "art," but culture vultures have plenty to ponder as 300 national artists display work. Rock out to A Flock of Seagulls (Saturday), American English (Sunday) and others. Saturday and Sunday.

* 59th Annual Old Town Art Fair. A more serious art-buying crowd swarms historic streets at what's billed as the country's oldest juried outdoor event of its kind. Peek at works by 260 invited artists. Saturday and Sunday.

* Festa Pasta Vino. Say "Ciao!" to historic Little Tuscany at this annual celebration of Italian food, family and culture. Try authentic eats from South Oakley Avenue restaurants, watch cooking demos, hear live music and more. Thursday through Sunday.